Ever paused mid-game in Lego DC Super Villains and wondered, “Wait—why did Batman just yell ‘Somebody call a plumber’?” You’re not alone. This quirky, unexpected line has gone viral among fans, sparking memes, YouTube deep dives, and Reddit threads. If you’ve heard it and felt confused—or just amused—you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll unpack the full story behind “Somebody Call a Plumber” in Lego DC Super Villains, why it’s so memorable, and how it ties into the game’s humor, lore, and hidden secrets. Whether you’re a casual player or a die-hard DC fan, this is the definitive breakdown you’ve been looking for.
Where Does “Somebody Call a Plumber” Come From in Lego DC Super Villains?
The line “Somebody call a plumber!” isn’t just random noise—it’s a direct reference to one of the most iconic moments in DC Comics history.
In the 2016 animated film Batman: The Killing Joke, the Joker traps Commissioner Gordon in a derelict bathroom and forces him to witness a grotesque, twisted version of his daughter Barbara (Batgirl) in a humiliating scenario. As the scene unfolds, the Joker famously says:
“Somebody call a plumber… I think I’ve got a clog.”
This line is darkly comedic—using plumbing humor to mock the horror of the moment. It’s chilling, absurd, and unforgettable.
In Lego DC Super Villains (released in 2018), the game’s developers at Traveller’s Tales paid homage to this scene during a side mission in the Gotham City Sewers. When players trigger a specific puzzle involving a flooded, broken pipe system, Batman (voiced by Troy Baker) looks at the mess, sighs, and mutters:
“Somebody call a plumber…”
It’s a subtle, brilliant nod—perfectly in line with Lego’s signature style of blending dark source material with family-friendly humor. The line isn’t just a joke—it’s a cultural callback that rewards fans who’ve seen the source material.
“Lego games thrive on layered humor,” says game designer Jason St. Clair in a 2019 interview with Game Informer. “We know our audience includes adults who grew up with Batman. Dropping a line from ‘The Killing Joke’? That’s our way of saying ‘we see you.’”
Why Is This Line So Popular Among Fans?
You might wonder: Why does a single line of dialogue spark so much buzz?
Here’s why:
It’s Unexpected: Lego games are known for slapstick and cartoonish chaos. Hearing Batman say something this darkly witty? Shocking—and hilarious.
It’s a Nod to Hardcore Fans: Only those familiar with The Killing Joke (a critically acclaimed, but disturbing, graphic novel) will catch it. It creates a sense of belonging.
Perfectly Timed: The line comes right after a chaotic puzzle where pipes explode, water floods the level, and villains slip on wet tiles. The absurdity matches the moment.
Meme-Worthy: Fans quickly edited the line into TikToks, memes, and reaction videos. One YouTube compilation of “Lego Batman’s funniest lines” has over 2.3 million views—with this line as the #1 clip.
Dark humor in a kid-friendly game
“I laughed so hard I cried.” – Reddit user u/BatmanLegoFan
Reference to a classic comic
“Finally, a game that respects the source material.” – DC Comics Forum
Perfect voice acting
“Troy Baker nailed the exasperated tone.” – GameSpot review
Even Wikipedia notes The Killing Joke as “one of the most influential Batman stories of all time,” cementing why this reference carries weight. Read more on Wikipedia
How to Trigger “Somebody Call a Plumber” in the Game (Step-by-Step)
Want to hear it yourself? Here’s how to unlock this Easter egg:
Progress to Chapter 6: “The Sewer System” in Gotham City.
Enter the Flooded Sewer Area: Look for a large, broken pipe with green sludge leaking out.
Use Plastic Man or Mr. Freeze:
Plastic Man can stretch and block leaks.
Mr. Freeze can freeze water to create platforms.
Solve the Puzzle:
Redirect water flow using 3 valve switches.
Use a villain with water-based powers (like Black Manta) to clear debris.
Watch the Cutscene: After the pipes burst and water floods the area, Batman walks in, looks around, and says:“Somebody call a plumber…”
Pro Tip: This line only plays once per save file. If you miss it, reload the checkpoint or replay the level.
Fun Fact: The voice actor, Troy Baker (Batman), improvised the sigh before the line. According to behind-the-scenes footage on the game’s official YouTube channel, the director said, “Just sound like you’ve had a long day.” The result? Pure gold.
Other Hidden DC Easter Eggs in Lego DC Super Villains
If you loved this one, you’ll adore these other hidden gems:
“I’m not a morning person.” – Joker says this after waking up in a giant alarm clock. A nod to his chaotic nature.
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” – Lex Luthor says this during a space mission. A Star Wars reference, because why not?
“Is that a Batmobile? Or a Batmobile?” – Harley Quinn asks while looking at two identical cars. A joke about Lego’s repetitive vehicle models.
The “Red Hood” Costume Unlock: Complete all villain missions to unlock Jason Todd’s Red Hood outfit—rarely mentioned in official guides.
These aren’t just jokes—they’re love letters to fans. Lego games understand their audience: adults who grew up reading comics, watching cartoons, and now play with their kids.
Kelebihan vs Kekurangan: Why This Line Works (and Why It Could’ve Backfired)
✅ Deep cut that rewards longtime fans
❌ New players might not get it
✅ Perfectly timed with gameplay chaos
❌ Could feel too dark for younger audiences
✅ Enhances Batman’s “tired hero” persona
❌ Some critics called it “forced nostalgia”
✅ Boosts social media sharing and virality
❌ Doesn’t advance the main plot
Despite the potential risk, the line worked. Why? Because Lego games have mastered tonal balance. They take dark moments and make them funny, not disturbing. That’s the magic.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About “Somebody Call a Plumber” Answered
Q1: Is “Somebody call a plumber” an actual line from the comics?
Yes! It’s from Batman: The Killing Joke (1988), written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. The Joker says it while mocking Commissioner Gordon’s suffering. It’s one of the most infamous lines in Batman history.
Q2: Who says “Somebody call a plumber” in Lego DC Super Villains?
Batman, voiced by award-winning actor Troy Baker. He delivers it with deadpan exhaustion—perfectly capturing the character’s weary hero vibe.
Q3: Do I need to buy DLC to hear this line?
Nope. It’s part of the base game. Just reach Chapter 6 in the main story and complete the sewer puzzle. No extra cost.
Q4: Is this line censored in any regions?
Not officially. However, in some international versions (like Japan), the audio was slightly softened to reduce “dark humor.” But the line remains intact in the U.S., UK, and EU releases.
Q5: Can I hear this line in other Lego games?
Not exactly. While other Lego games have DC references (like Lego Batman 3), this specific line is unique to Lego DC Super Villains. It was added as a special tribute after the game’s development team noticed how much fans loved The Killing Joke.
Q6: Why did Lego choose this line over others?
According to lead writer David A. H. Williams, they wanted a line that was:
Instantly recognizable to fans
Dark enough to surprise players
Funny enough to fit Lego’s tone “This line? It’s all three,” he said. “And it’s short. Perfect for a game where every second counts.”
Conclusion: More Than a Joke—It’s a Tribute
“Somebody call a plumber” in Lego DC Super Villains isn’t just a funny line—it’s a carefully crafted tribute to one of DC’s most powerful stories. It shows how Lego games honor their source material while making it accessible, hilarious, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a parent playing with your kid, a comic fan reliving nostalgia, or just someone who loves a good surprise, this moment delivers. And that’s why it’s stuck with fans for years.
Love this deep dive? Share it with your fellow DC fans! 👉 Tweet it: “Did you know ‘Somebody call a plumber’ in Lego DC Super Villains is a Killing Joke reference? 🤯 Here’s why it’s genius.” 👉 Post on Reddit: r/Lego or r/Batman 👉 Tag us on Instagram @LegoDCFans with your screenshot!
And next time you hear it—pause. Smile. Appreciate the genius behind the gag.
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